COLUMN: Even in tragedies, there's good news if we look

Published 12:00 am, Saturday, June 15, 2013

There's a quote from Mr. Rogers I always liked when he said, "In times of turmoil, look for the helpers. You will always find people helping."

In our world, it's difficult to find news without finding bad news. In fact, its difficult to live without constantly hearing the bad.

There's always a lot of things going on, that make me shake my head, and wonder aloud, "How could this happen?" I've seen plenty of challenges, especially lately, where it would be easy to focus on the problems, frustration, anger, disappointment, and the tragedy.

When I think of the power of the simple words Fred Rogers shared, and look around me, I find comfort in knowing the undying spirit that we have and support we offer one another.

Whether the incident is a fire, bombing, tornado or accident on a smaller size, but equally important scale, if I pay attention to the helpers on the scene, my perspective changes.

It is often in times of tragedy when we find the greatest courage - the folks who refuse to stand back and let something happen, who hold and hug someone who is scared, who comfort a crying child, who shoulder the load for others even though they may not even know them.

If you take a look at the people who help, rally around others, be supportive, and pray with you, for strength, peace and kindness, and really mean it, things always get better.

Disasters, catastrophes, disease, and pain don't stand a chance against the power of caring.

This one is for the helpers - the nurses, rescue squads, EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and in many cases just innocent bystanders who jump in and demonstrate unconditional support and love for their fellow man or woman.